Tires

[Emmy]

Hello,

I have a 99 Forester. The factory recommends 215/16 tires for this vehicle.
I purchased the car used in 2001 and
it had 225/16 on it. I am in the market for 4 new tires and wonder which
should I choose. I'm thinking with gas
continuing to rise I might get a little better gas mileage with the more
narrow tire but it also might ride like a
wagon.


Any suggestions?


Thanks,
Emily

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hello,

I have a 99 Forester. The factory recommends 215/16 tires for this vehicle.
I purchased the car used in 2001 and
it had 225/16 on it. I am in the market for 4 new tires and wonder which
should I choose. I'm thinking with gas
continuing to rise I might get a little better gas mileage with the more
narrow tire but it also might ride like a
wagon.


Any suggestions?


Thanks,
Emily

There isn't much difference in actual 'height' if the 2 sizes mentioned
are the same profile. But the speedometer and odometer will be incorrect
(probably by just a few percent).

The primary factor for tire shopping is getting the safest tire for your
climate and driving style. But I THINK there are tires made with 'low
rolloing resistance' coumpounds that should be available in the correct
size.
You can research tires at www.tirerack.com . Local tire stores will
often match (or get very close) the prices. I have done biz with them,
and also had a local store match prices.

Carl

 

[hippo]

Emmy wrote: more

There isn't much difference in actual 'height' if the 2 sizes mentioned
are the same profile. But the speedometer and odometer will be incorrec

(probably by just a few percent).

The primary factor for tire shopping is getting the safest tire for you

climate and driving style. But I THINK there are tires made with 'low
rolloing resistance' coumpounds that should be available in the correct
size.
You can research tires at www.tirerack.com . Local tire stores will
often match (or get very close) the prices. I have done biz with them,
and also had a local store match prices.

My 99 OB currently runs 225/55x16 instead of 215/60. Speedo/Odo error wit
those or the 225/60s will be less than 2% either way. That's not going t
affect much unless you're navigating to very fine distances or you upset
*very* picky speed cop! IMO if you pick the make and compound that bes
suits your needs then get the best price available in any of those thre
sizes you'll be well served. Cheers

 

[Emmy]

Thank you for your information.

Emmy

 

[S]

Hi Emily!

I have a 99 Forester. The factory recommends 215/16 tires for this vehicle.
I purchased the car used in 2001 and
it had 225/16 on it. I am in the market for 4 new tires and wonder which
should I choose. I'm thinking with gas
continuing to rise I might get a little better gas mileage with the more
narrow tire but it also might ride like a
wagon.

In general, a taller, narrower tire will give better fuel economy.
That said, there just isn't room for a significantly taller tire on
the Forester; the rear strut kinda sets the limit.

As others have mentioned, find a tire that works for your driving
style and typical conditions (and budget), and go with it. FWIW, I've
been very happy with the Kumho KR21s on my '99 Forry; great tires at a
reasonable price.

I'm running a 215/70/15 on mine. Tire Rack lists a 215/60/16 which has
the same diameter (26.1 inches), and a 225/60/16 that is slightly
larger at 26.6 inches. That's probably about as much tire as is gonna
fit in the space available, based on my actual observations.

The 215 lists for $69, the 225 for $72. Check it out here:
<http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Solus+KR21>

In the long run, your best bet for fuel savings will be to modify your
driving style. Nice and easy off the line, try -n- keep the tach below
3K RPM, and stay over in the slow lane as much as possible. Relax and
enjoy the scenery. I average around 30MPG with my car (got 35 out of
the last tank; most all highway, tho.), but have seen as low as 25-26
if I'm driving (er. um,) enthusiastically, or mix in lots of
"around-town" action.

Above not surprising, really, but often overlooked in the quest for
mileage.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101